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Wagers and Wallflowers #1
Love Me, If You Dare
They are wallflowers, bluestockings, merry widows, and debutantes—members of a secret, exclusive Lady’s Club in Berkeley Square! There ladies indulge in daring wagers, learn to fight, read scandalous books, and learn the art of wooing the gentlemen they will bring to their knees…
Sebastian Crawford, Duke of Hartford, cares about his duty, honor, and family. He has everything planned: his sister is engaged, and now plans to select his duchess from a list of eligible debutantes. The last thing he expects is his sister to go missing a few weeks before her wedding!
Lady Theodosia Winfern is upset when a devilishly attractive duke accuses her of persuading his sister to run from her duties. He declares that Theo won’t leave his side (even if it means sleeping in his chamber) until his sister is found Theo has little choice but to go along with his scandalous demands. The last thing she wants is the powerful duke as her enemy, especially as he knows about her secret lady’s club!
Both are quick to deny the increasingly fiery attraction between them until temptation becomes irresistible and passion can no longer be denied…
Sebastian Crawford, Duke of Hartford, cares about his duty, honor, and family. He has everything planned: his sister is engaged, and now plans to select his duchess from a list of eligible debutantes. The last thing he expects is his sister to go missing a few weeks before her wedding!
Lady Theodosia Winfern is upset when a devilishly attractive duke accuses her of persuading his sister to run from her duties. He declares that Theo won’t leave his side (even if it means sleeping in his chamber) until his sister is found Theo has little choice but to go along with his scandalous demands. The last thing she wants is the powerful duke as her enemy, especially as he knows about her secret lady’s club!
Both are quick to deny the increasingly fiery attraction between them until temptation becomes irresistible and passion can no longer be denied…
188 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 22, 2021
666 people are currently reading
1101 people want to read
About the author
Alyssa Clarke
155 books319 followersAlyssa Clarke writes steamy Regency Historical Romances featuring swoon-worthy heroes and sassy, sometimes unconventional heroines! Her debut novel, Love Me, If You Dare, came to her in a dream as a hot, fun enemy to lover romance where she played the leading lady who fell in love with a duke who looked remarkably like Henry Cavill.
When not writing, Alyssa enjoys hiking, games/movie night, with her husband and two beautiful children, and her Siberian Husky, Cronus. She is a lover of wine, cheesecake, and more wine.
When not writing, Alyssa enjoys hiking, games/movie night, with her husband and two beautiful children, and her Siberian Husky, Cronus. She is a lover of wine, cheesecake, and more wine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
April 20, 2023
5 Stars
Freedom is a state of mind, as it is uncompromisingly yours. You cannot ask it from someone, nor can they give it to you, for inherently, asking or giving implies you were never free, to begin with. We are our own hurdles in the quest for freedom. We can either cross those hurdles or choose to leg shackle ourselves, but what doesn't change is the choice. Set yourself free without an encumbrance. Who says you have to be alone to do it?
When a lovely little story brings out the philosopher in you, how can it not be a perfect read?
My Thoughts
- This was my first Alyssa Clarke, and by no means it's going to be my last. She has such a joyful writing style that I have a smile pasted on my face.
- This was a beautiful romance between a staid duke (are there any other kind?) and a lady impassioned by her freedom, a misunderstanding brought them together, and it allowed them to find themselves.
- Although I have decided that I have a soft spot for heroes named Sebastian, Theo is the one who stole the show. She was such a lively, sprightly, quirky, honest, amazing heroine. I loved her version of a women's club, one to rival White's. She found a way to carve out a niche in the Regency restrictive period.
- Sebastian was a lovely hero too. Not your average Regency rake, but someone who valued his family, looked up to his father, tried to be better, an honourable man.
- The best part about this story was that the author did not let any misunderstanding stick. The characters strove to quickly resolve the situation with a conversation, oh how that elates me. The unpredictability quotient and a dedicated maturity added a lot of depth to this light-hearted story.
My Recommendation
Whenever I am looking for a chuckle, chortle or a giggle, it's going to be a Ms Clarke story for me. I am quite excited to read the others in this series.
Freedom is a state of mind, as it is uncompromisingly yours. You cannot ask it from someone, nor can they give it to you, for inherently, asking or giving implies you were never free, to begin with. We are our own hurdles in the quest for freedom. We can either cross those hurdles or choose to leg shackle ourselves, but what doesn't change is the choice. Set yourself free without an encumbrance. Who says you have to be alone to do it?
When a lovely little story brings out the philosopher in you, how can it not be a perfect read?
My Thoughts
- This was my first Alyssa Clarke, and by no means it's going to be my last. She has such a joyful writing style that I have a smile pasted on my face.
- This was a beautiful romance between a staid duke (are there any other kind?) and a lady impassioned by her freedom, a misunderstanding brought them together, and it allowed them to find themselves.
- Although I have decided that I have a soft spot for heroes named Sebastian, Theo is the one who stole the show. She was such a lively, sprightly, quirky, honest, amazing heroine. I loved her version of a women's club, one to rival White's. She found a way to carve out a niche in the Regency restrictive period.
- Sebastian was a lovely hero too. Not your average Regency rake, but someone who valued his family, looked up to his father, tried to be better, an honourable man.
- The best part about this story was that the author did not let any misunderstanding stick. The characters strove to quickly resolve the situation with a conversation, oh how that elates me. The unpredictability quotient and a dedicated maturity added a lot of depth to this light-hearted story.
My Recommendation
Whenever I am looking for a chuckle, chortle or a giggle, it's going to be a Ms Clarke story for me. I am quite excited to read the others in this series.
February 13, 2022
This book is not very memorable. I finished reading it in the middle of the night, went to sleep and now it is the following afternoon and I completely forgot what this book was about. Lol
After reading the first line of the summary it all came back, don't worry hahahhaha
Although it was not memorable, it was quite good. A super fast and entertaining read. What I liked most here was the fact that after committing mistakes, the hero always realized it and apologized appropriately. It was lovely seeing him realizing his faults. Not many heroes would be like that.
The heroine was different from what you expect from society and I enjoyed seeing her explaining why she choose to be like she is.
All in all, I think it was a great read if you don't know what else to read and want something fast.
After reading the first line of the summary it all came back, don't worry hahahhaha
Although it was not memorable, it was quite good. A super fast and entertaining read. What I liked most here was the fact that after committing mistakes, the hero always realized it and apologized appropriately. It was lovely seeing him realizing his faults. Not many heroes would be like that.
The heroine was different from what you expect from society and I enjoyed seeing her explaining why she choose to be like she is.
All in all, I think it was a great read if you don't know what else to read and want something fast.
April 19, 2021
Fabulous first book from Alyssa Clarke in a series I can't wait to devour! I absolutely adored the heroine Theo, and her lady's club. From the moment she and Sebastian first clashed, I was hooked! Featuring a proper duke who falls hard, an intelligent, free-spirited heroine, a road trip, and plenty of lovely steam between Theo and her duke, this is one sizzling Regency romance you won't want to miss.
June 10, 2022
A lovely entertaining story. I really enjoyed reading this - (have got #2 waiting for me, and it's looking good). 5☆
March 1, 2021
I enjoy trying books by authors I haven't read before, and since this is a new author, I decided to give it a chance. The chemistry between the hero and heroine was very good overall; most of the scenes between them are sexy with a bit of humor. I liked the h from the start--she's 26 and not the typical wallflower or bluestocking. The idea of a women's club in the Ton is a good way to start a series. The hero comes off as something of an alpha jerk at first, kidnapping the h (the scenes where he picks her up forcibly in the garden at the ball and then physically locks her in his room with him in his house are pretty cringy). Then he suddenly has a change of heart and becomes much more likable. At first he doesn't trust h, and then seemingly overnight he does--I would have liked a bit more character development to show this trust taking root.
Unfortunately there are typos and a bit of weird pacing. For example, at one point in the book, h/H start out in the morning on a fairly quick trip, and then all of a sudden it's night. A skilled editor would be beneficial. Misuse/misspellings of words, singular nouns that should be plural, etc. abound. There are some anachronisms and Americanisms. The ladies' club is referred to repeatedly as a "saloon" when it should be a "salon". Also, the sex scenes are nicely steamy, but I'm not sure why the author repeatedly uses the verb "mash" when describing the h kissing the H's mouth. It's just not sexy and became kind of irritating. Maybe it's just me.
Lastly, I don't mind a few "f-bombs" in my Regencies, but it seems a bit out of character for this hero, who is fairly stuffy and typically follows the rules. This isn't a slam--I actually like stuffy-to-sexy heroes--it's just not that appropriate for someone of his class, with his background, during this time period.
But this writer has promise. The chemistry between h/H, and in particular the heroine's personality, elevate this from a 2 star to a 3 star book.
Unfortunately there are typos and a bit of weird pacing. For example, at one point in the book, h/H start out in the morning on a fairly quick trip, and then all of a sudden it's night. A skilled editor would be beneficial. Misuse/misspellings of words, singular nouns that should be plural, etc. abound. There are some anachronisms and Americanisms. The ladies' club is referred to repeatedly as a "saloon" when it should be a "salon". Also, the sex scenes are nicely steamy, but I'm not sure why the author repeatedly uses the verb "mash" when describing the h kissing the H's mouth. It's just not sexy and became kind of irritating. Maybe it's just me.
Lastly, I don't mind a few "f-bombs" in my Regencies, but it seems a bit out of character for this hero, who is fairly stuffy and typically follows the rules. This isn't a slam--I actually like stuffy-to-sexy heroes--it's just not that appropriate for someone of his class, with his background, during this time period.
But this writer has promise. The chemistry between h/H, and in particular the heroine's personality, elevate this from a 2 star to a 3 star book.
December 29, 2022
I started reading this book a few months ago, and at the time it was difficult to get involved in the story because I hadn't read the synopsis and didn't quite know what the direction of the book was or who the main characters were. At the time, I really wasn't in the mood for a super-protected heroine (by her brother) who wants to be rebellious, so I forgot this book on my shelf until now. Well, I couldn't be more wrong; after all, that brother is the MMC, and his bachelor days are over.
It is true that Sebastian's sister is in a rebellious phase, and so she joins the women's club that widow Winfern has created: a safe space where the girls of the ton can freely explore more skills other than the socially accepted ones. When following his sister, Sebastian meets Theodosia Winfern, and after a few days they become travel buddies, and surprise, surprise, there is only 1 room available in the inn. 😏
It's a light and fun book. The dialogues between the MCs are direct and kind of spicy. The ending was satisfying according to the number of pages, with some OW drama and clues to read the following books.
It is true that Sebastian's sister is in a rebellious phase, and so she joins the women's club that widow Winfern has created: a safe space where the girls of the ton can freely explore more skills other than the socially accepted ones. When following his sister, Sebastian meets Theodosia Winfern, and after a few days they become travel buddies, and surprise, surprise, there is only 1 room available in the inn. 😏
It's a light and fun book. The dialogues between the MCs are direct and kind of spicy. The ending was satisfying according to the number of pages, with some OW drama and clues to read the following books.
February 15, 2024
My first book by this author, and I was pleasantly surprised.
I loved the wittiness of the heroine. She was foreword thinking and independent without being the currently popular obnoxious man-hating feminist. So she was a wonderful heroine to root for. The hero started off splendidly grumpy and irritable. I loved it. I loved how he asked her to dance while he was in the midst of anger and kept a straight face, etc. Loved it! I just wished his grumpiness could have been carried out a bit longer. I felt they became friendly too quickly.
I look forward to book #3 next!
I loved the wittiness of the heroine. She was foreword thinking and independent without being the currently popular obnoxious man-hating feminist. So she was a wonderful heroine to root for. The hero started off splendidly grumpy and irritable. I loved it. I loved how he asked her to dance while he was in the midst of anger and kept a straight face, etc. Loved it! I just wished his grumpiness could have been carried out a bit longer. I felt they became friendly too quickly.
I look forward to book #3 next!
September 30, 2021
Even fairy godmothers are not as perfect as the H!
April 11, 2021
I am not a writer and never could be. Even reading hundreds of books a year, I could never write like these authors do. With that being said, I don’t write great reviews but I also don’t rewrite and would not rewrite the whole synopsis in my review like I’ve seen some do. I just read the book. I know what it’s about and anyone wanting to read it will read the synopsis as well and know what it’s about. I am trying to do better on my reviews.
I read 415 books last year, over 1900 in just over 5 years and hundreds and hundreds of different authors over those years, I have my handful that I love and get all their new releases but have "branched" out looking for new authors. Alyssa Clarke is one of those new authors. I actually saw Scarlett Scott recommended her. I LOVE Scarlett so figured Alyssa’s book must be good.
This was such a good read. I really loved the characters and their interactions with each other. I loved the story and definitely can’t wait for book 2.
I would definitely recommend this book.
I read 415 books last year, over 1900 in just over 5 years and hundreds and hundreds of different authors over those years, I have my handful that I love and get all their new releases but have "branched" out looking for new authors. Alyssa Clarke is one of those new authors. I actually saw Scarlett Scott recommended her. I LOVE Scarlett so figured Alyssa’s book must be good.
This was such a good read. I really loved the characters and their interactions with each other. I loved the story and definitely can’t wait for book 2.
I would definitely recommend this book.
June 7, 2021
I hate the Duke and his uncompromising, jerk ways. He became a decent sort after like one night? Doubtful. I liked the idea of Theo but she caved to him so quickly in everything. Bah.
August 14, 2024
A Cliché-Filled Journey
Love Me If You Dare is a novel that unfortunately falls prey to predictable tropes. The plot revolves around Sebastian, a man consumed by anger and grief when his sister disappears. His target is Theo, the enigmatic owner of a women's empowerment club. Mistakenly believing Theo to be responsible for his sister's absence, Sebastian resorts to the extreme measure of kidnapping her.
The story's premise is intriguing, but the execution is marred by clichés. The forced romance between Sebastian and Theo is unconvincing, given the hostile start to their relationship. Theo's character, while intended to be strong and independent, is reduced to a damsel in distress during the kidnapping ordeal. Moreover, the novel's exploration of women's empowerment is superficial, overshadowed by the romance and action elements.
While the concept of a women's club dedicated to self-defense and personal growth is commendable, the
Love Me If You Dare is a novel that unfortunately falls prey to predictable tropes. The plot revolves around Sebastian, a man consumed by anger and grief when his sister disappears. His target is Theo, the enigmatic owner of a women's empowerment club. Mistakenly believing Theo to be responsible for his sister's absence, Sebastian resorts to the extreme measure of kidnapping her.
The story's premise is intriguing, but the execution is marred by clichés. The forced romance between Sebastian and Theo is unconvincing, given the hostile start to their relationship. Theo's character, while intended to be strong and independent, is reduced to a damsel in distress during the kidnapping ordeal. Moreover, the novel's exploration of women's empowerment is superficial, overshadowed by the romance and action elements.
While the concept of a women's club dedicated to self-defense and personal growth is commendable, the
February 14, 2024
I had a wonderful fun reading this one!
FMC is the establisher of a scandalous women's club in the Regency period.
The club is exclusive to women so they can do whatever they want and behave naturally against the confinements of society rules
(they read romance books/ walk barefoot/ Practice sports and so much more fun activities)
One of the members is the young sister of a handsome duke (MMC)
Since women are sworn to secrecy the MMC thinks that his young sister is going into an anonymous house to partake in a scandalous activity.
So the duke decides to ambush the owner of the house and challenge him in a duel to protect his sister's honor. However he finds the beautiful and sassy FMC.
I don't want to divulge more past the premise because the flow of the story is so passionate and so enjoyable to read.
The build-up, the chemistry, the writing style were perfect too.
FMC is the establisher of a scandalous women's club in the Regency period.
The club is exclusive to women so they can do whatever they want and behave naturally against the confinements of society rules
(they read romance books/ walk barefoot/ Practice sports and so much more fun activities)
One of the members is the young sister of a handsome duke (MMC)
Since women are sworn to secrecy the MMC thinks that his young sister is going into an anonymous house to partake in a scandalous activity.
So the duke decides to ambush the owner of the house and challenge him in a duel to protect his sister's honor. However he finds the beautiful and sassy FMC.
I don't want to divulge more past the premise because the flow of the story is so passionate and so enjoyable to read.
The build-up, the chemistry, the writing style were perfect too.
January 4, 2022
My first book by Alyssa Clarke and not my last, I may even give this a reread soon. It is a short read but the pacing great. I also thought the chemistry and relationship build up was done really well.
Theo has a club for ladies of the Ton who want to let down their hair and be themselves away from the judging eye's of society. After a club member and sister of duke runs away, Theo is forced by said duke to help him find his way ward sister. Sebastian can help but feel intrigued by Theo despite her part in his sister change of heart. The attraction is mutual but bother Sebastian and Theo are unsure of the other's deeper feelings.I know many reader don't like misunderstandings, but I have this strange affinity when the heroine has a misunderstanding of the heroes intentions towards her. Especially if she believes he loves or will marry another when in reality he has no interest in anyone else.
Theo has a club for ladies of the Ton who want to let down their hair and be themselves away from the judging eye's of society. After a club member and sister of duke runs away, Theo is forced by said duke to help him find his way ward sister. Sebastian can help but feel intrigued by Theo despite her part in his sister change of heart. The attraction is mutual but bother Sebastian and Theo are unsure of the other's deeper feelings.I know many reader don't like misunderstandings, but I have this strange affinity when the heroine has a misunderstanding of the heroes intentions towards her. Especially if she believes he loves or will marry another when in reality he has no interest in anyone else.
February 26, 2021
4.5 Stars
Sebastian Crawford, Duke of Hartford, only cares about duty, honour, and family. He has everything planned: his sister Perdita is engaged, and he too will select his duchess from a list of eligible debutantes. The last thing he expects is his sister to go missing a few weeks before her wedding!
Lady Theodosia Winfern hardly knew what to do with herself when a devilishly attractive duke accuses her of persuading his sister to run away from her duties. When he declares Theo will not leave his side (even if it means sleeping in his chamber) until his sister is found, Theo has little choice but to go along with his scandalous demands.
A very good debut novel, which was well written & had characters with depth. The pace was good & I read it in a couple of sittings. I loved both Seb & Theo, he’s the upright Duke & she’s the widowed Viscountess who has opened up her home to other women in what is an exclusive club – a novel idea that was different & worked. I loved Seb & Theo’s journey through the English countryside & how they fell hook, line & sinker for each other. A very accomplished debut & I look forward to reading more from the author
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Sebastian Crawford, Duke of Hartford, only cares about duty, honour, and family. He has everything planned: his sister Perdita is engaged, and he too will select his duchess from a list of eligible debutantes. The last thing he expects is his sister to go missing a few weeks before her wedding!
Lady Theodosia Winfern hardly knew what to do with herself when a devilishly attractive duke accuses her of persuading his sister to run away from her duties. When he declares Theo will not leave his side (even if it means sleeping in his chamber) until his sister is found, Theo has little choice but to go along with his scandalous demands.
A very good debut novel, which was well written & had characters with depth. The pace was good & I read it in a couple of sittings. I loved both Seb & Theo, he’s the upright Duke & she’s the widowed Viscountess who has opened up her home to other women in what is an exclusive club – a novel idea that was different & worked. I loved Seb & Theo’s journey through the English countryside & how they fell hook, line & sinker for each other. A very accomplished debut & I look forward to reading more from the author
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
January 15, 2025
anything to get over my book slump
February 25, 2021
***SPOILER ALERT***
What an entertaining read. Theodosia is a widow and based on how unhappy and lonely she was in her marriage she and her dearest friends decided to start a secret ladies club. In Theo's home women were allowed to be free of societies restrictions on dress, eating, reading, sports and games. They even had a wager board. But her club was so much more. She taught those who were interested on how to defend themselves against unwanted male aggressors. She taught boxing and fencing among other things. Sebastian, the Duke of Hartford had noticed his younger sister being mysterious about her whereabouts from time to time. She had never been untruthful before but she was now and he did not understand it. His sister Perdita joined Theo's club to have a place unencumbered by the pressure of society and a planned marriage to take place in several weeks. Not that she was having second thoughts but she needed time to sort out what she herself wanted out of life. She did not want to have children right away and she wanted to travel to far off places. When she tried to share her feelings with her fiancé it was like water off a duck’s back. He was not paying attention and this grieved Perdie. When Sebastian found out where she was going, he went there. Confronted Theo and demanded she revoke Perdie's membership or there would be severe consequences. Theo bucked against having to do Seb's dirty work. It should be he to tell Perdie of his decision not her. But her demand fell on deaf ears. She agreed to do his bidding in exchange for his silence about the club. There was an attraction between Theo and Seb but there was nothing to be done. One evening Perdie left a letter for Seb. She was going away to be alone and find herself and begged him not to follow her. She would return in a few weeks. Immediately he hunted Theo down for he blamed her for Perdie running away and he felt she knew where she was. He dragged her with him searching for her and during those many days they got to know each other. Seb had become increasingly enraptured by her and she with him. One thing led to another and they became intimate. However, when his mother showed up with the young lady she wanted Seb to marry and her mother, Theo knew their time was at an end. She felt heartsick knowing there was nothing left for her. In the meantime, the young lady tried to compromise him by throwing herself at him in his bedroom after he undressed. They were caught by the young lady's mother and his mother. It was assumed he would do the right thing and marry the chit. He outright refused. Then Theo who had left earlier returned to fight for him and declare her love. He declared his too. He asked her to marry him. She was wary that she would have to give up the club and that was a deal breaker for her. Seb assured Theo she could continue the club because now he understood what it was all about and it had relieved him knowing his sister was not is as much danger as he thought. When his mother got there, she informed him that Perdie came to the country estate and apologized for worrying them. In an unexpected turn of events Perdie met a man from Scotland who claimed she was his. But she did not know his name. I hope the next book will let us know all about it and let us know how Seb and Theo are doing. An excellent book about first impressions and to never judge a book by its cover. I really enjoyed reading this and highly recommend it.
KINDLE UNLIMITED
What an entertaining read. Theodosia is a widow and based on how unhappy and lonely she was in her marriage she and her dearest friends decided to start a secret ladies club. In Theo's home women were allowed to be free of societies restrictions on dress, eating, reading, sports and games. They even had a wager board. But her club was so much more. She taught those who were interested on how to defend themselves against unwanted male aggressors. She taught boxing and fencing among other things. Sebastian, the Duke of Hartford had noticed his younger sister being mysterious about her whereabouts from time to time. She had never been untruthful before but she was now and he did not understand it. His sister Perdita joined Theo's club to have a place unencumbered by the pressure of society and a planned marriage to take place in several weeks. Not that she was having second thoughts but she needed time to sort out what she herself wanted out of life. She did not want to have children right away and she wanted to travel to far off places. When she tried to share her feelings with her fiancé it was like water off a duck’s back. He was not paying attention and this grieved Perdie. When Sebastian found out where she was going, he went there. Confronted Theo and demanded she revoke Perdie's membership or there would be severe consequences. Theo bucked against having to do Seb's dirty work. It should be he to tell Perdie of his decision not her. But her demand fell on deaf ears. She agreed to do his bidding in exchange for his silence about the club. There was an attraction between Theo and Seb but there was nothing to be done. One evening Perdie left a letter for Seb. She was going away to be alone and find herself and begged him not to follow her. She would return in a few weeks. Immediately he hunted Theo down for he blamed her for Perdie running away and he felt she knew where she was. He dragged her with him searching for her and during those many days they got to know each other. Seb had become increasingly enraptured by her and she with him. One thing led to another and they became intimate. However, when his mother showed up with the young lady she wanted Seb to marry and her mother, Theo knew their time was at an end. She felt heartsick knowing there was nothing left for her. In the meantime, the young lady tried to compromise him by throwing herself at him in his bedroom after he undressed. They were caught by the young lady's mother and his mother. It was assumed he would do the right thing and marry the chit. He outright refused. Then Theo who had left earlier returned to fight for him and declare her love. He declared his too. He asked her to marry him. She was wary that she would have to give up the club and that was a deal breaker for her. Seb assured Theo she could continue the club because now he understood what it was all about and it had relieved him knowing his sister was not is as much danger as he thought. When his mother got there, she informed him that Perdie came to the country estate and apologized for worrying them. In an unexpected turn of events Perdie met a man from Scotland who claimed she was his. But she did not know his name. I hope the next book will let us know all about it and let us know how Seb and Theo are doing. An excellent book about first impressions and to never judge a book by its cover. I really enjoyed reading this and highly recommend it.
KINDLE UNLIMITED
April 17, 2021
Widow Theodosia is the feisty but lonely owner of a Lady's Club in Berkeley Square where ladies of the ton can let their hair down (literally) learn how to fence, box and place wagers.
One of her patrons is Perdita, the sister of Sebastian Crawford, Duke of Hartford, who is very haughty and is well aware of his position in society.
All goes awry when Perdy does a runner and Sebastian discovers the Lady's Club, blames Theo and kidnaps her, which is a fun story, except that it doesn't really sit well with his character and therefore you have to suspend belief.
I loved Theo and the way she made Sebastian mellow; and how their love story progressed and there were were some pretty steamy love scenes which were well written.
The story, although a good romp, ended too abruptly with loose ends, e.g. what happens to Perdita and how does Sebastian reconcile with his mother and any potential scandal?
I am sure as the author gets in her stride, her stories will get better.
I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
One of her patrons is Perdita, the sister of Sebastian Crawford, Duke of Hartford, who is very haughty and is well aware of his position in society.
All goes awry when Perdy does a runner and Sebastian discovers the Lady's Club, blames Theo and kidnaps her, which is a fun story, except that it doesn't really sit well with his character and therefore you have to suspend belief.
I loved Theo and the way she made Sebastian mellow; and how their love story progressed and there were were some pretty steamy love scenes which were well written.
The story, although a good romp, ended too abruptly with loose ends, e.g. what happens to Perdita and how does Sebastian reconcile with his mother and any potential scandal?
I am sure as the author gets in her stride, her stories will get better.
I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 28, 2023
2.5 stars
March 28, 2021
I really did enjoy this novel, especially as I had read a couple of deeply emotional books prior to reading this one. It is light-hearted and entertaining, with just the right amount of reluctance on the part of the Duke of Hartford to get in involved with the daring Viscountess Theodosia Winfern. Having had his own way for much of his life, Sebastian finds his life being overturned by Lady Theo as she stands up to his outrageous demands. On the hunt for his missing sister, Sebastian and Theo join forces but find they have an undeniable attraction. However, Theo is keeping a secret, one that floors Sebastian when he discovers it. I found this romance to be well-written and witty, and it kept my attention from the very start. It is a standalone and comes to an amusing conclusion. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
February 27, 2021
4.5 stars
I did enjoy this book very much. Lady Theodosia Winfern was a strong character, who after a stifling and lonely marriage wanted her freedom. She also wanted to provide a place for women to feel free from the restrictions placed on them by family and society. I liked the way she went for what she wanted. Sebastian, Duke of Hartford was an arrogant man who expected to get his way in every situation. He certainly met his match with Theo. There are a few scenes where they cross swords and some very passionate scenes when they grow to understand each other better. However, there are some who are determined that all should not go well for them. This was a very engaging read and I look forward to reading more in this series. I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I did enjoy this book very much. Lady Theodosia Winfern was a strong character, who after a stifling and lonely marriage wanted her freedom. She also wanted to provide a place for women to feel free from the restrictions placed on them by family and society. I liked the way she went for what she wanted. Sebastian, Duke of Hartford was an arrogant man who expected to get his way in every situation. He certainly met his match with Theo. There are a few scenes where they cross swords and some very passionate scenes when they grow to understand each other better. However, there are some who are determined that all should not go well for them. This was a very engaging read and I look forward to reading more in this series. I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 8, 2021
Exciting Romance
Theo and Sebastian are not just meant for each other they're going to be together come what may.
This is the first book I think I have read by Alyssa Clarke but it won't be the last.
Theo and Sebastian are not just meant for each other they're going to be together come what may.
This is the first book I think I have read by Alyssa Clarke but it won't be the last.
March 9, 2022
Not bad.
March 8, 2023
"You have been my own brand of torment these several days."
THEY WERE SO CUTEE
THEY WERE SO CUTEE
May 13, 2021
Owalah, buku laennya blm ada yg terbit kwkwkkwkwk
January 4, 2022
A couple of chapters in I already had to read a paragraph twice to verify I had stumbled upon an inconsistency: the lady wore a yellow dress.... she came down the stairs in a vanilla-colored dress...What color was the dress?
Next inconsistency: Theo doesn't know that Lady Perdie was the duke's sister, she is said to thoroughly invest new members of her club. As a member of the ton she should be able to connect Perdie's last name to the title.
And the inconsistencies continue:
Chapter 5: ..at a ball, the duke accompagnies his sister to a parlour where she wants to overcome her megraine, his watch shows 10pm, at midnight(two hours later) a footman delivers a note from her stating she left her home to live on her own. He returns home, interrogates the butler who confirms her departure three! hour ago (how is that possible?) , sends runners after her, returns to the ball, and confronts Lady Theo while dancing. That might be around 2am. He tells her to be ready at 9am to accompany him to Brighton.
The next morning Theo sends notes to her friends ( well before 9am), two of them come running although one has been at the ball and the reader would expect her to sleep in. Duke and Lady start their journey, travel all day, and stay overnight at an inn along the way. Next day they set off and the duke expects to get to Brighton around noon. I wonder whether they were walking, the distance between London and Brighton is about 58 miles, a distance carriages could manage in 5 hours, was the author not able to use google maps?
The same applies to the next stage of their journey: it is about 65 miles from Brighton to South Kent, why did it take two days of travelling "with little rest in between"?
The duke decided to go there because the family calls the mansion "cottage"and he assumes his sister to be there. She was, but had already left. Why did Perdie write in her letter she "had rented a cottage" (with the money from pawning her jewellery) and "would pose as a widow", when she was gallivanting from one family estate to the next? The reader never gets an answer.
The story twists and turns quite suspenseful in Dunston and the reader gets the HEA. Without the faulty timeline which nettled me, the other inconsistencies, and the poor grammar it would have been a four star romance.
Next inconsistency: Theo doesn't know that Lady Perdie was the duke's sister, she is said to thoroughly invest new members of her club. As a member of the ton she should be able to connect Perdie's last name to the title.
And the inconsistencies continue:
Chapter 5: ..at a ball, the duke accompagnies his sister to a parlour where she wants to overcome her megraine, his watch shows 10pm, at midnight(two hours later) a footman delivers a note from her stating she left her home to live on her own. He returns home, interrogates the butler who confirms her departure three! hour ago (how is that possible?) , sends runners after her, returns to the ball, and confronts Lady Theo while dancing. That might be around 2am. He tells her to be ready at 9am to accompany him to Brighton.
The next morning Theo sends notes to her friends ( well before 9am), two of them come running although one has been at the ball and the reader would expect her to sleep in. Duke and Lady start their journey, travel all day, and stay overnight at an inn along the way. Next day they set off and the duke expects to get to Brighton around noon. I wonder whether they were walking, the distance between London and Brighton is about 58 miles, a distance carriages could manage in 5 hours, was the author not able to use google maps?
The same applies to the next stage of their journey: it is about 65 miles from Brighton to South Kent, why did it take two days of travelling "with little rest in between"?
The duke decided to go there because the family calls the mansion "cottage"and he assumes his sister to be there. She was, but had already left. Why did Perdie write in her letter she "had rented a cottage" (with the money from pawning her jewellery) and "would pose as a widow", when she was gallivanting from one family estate to the next? The reader never gets an answer.
The story twists and turns quite suspenseful in Dunston and the reader gets the HEA. Without the faulty timeline which nettled me, the other inconsistencies, and the poor grammar it would have been a four star romance.
July 16, 2022
I devoured this story! I cannot express how much I adored this couple and the regency setting.
Love Me, If You Dare is book 1 in the Wagers and Wallflowers series and focuses on Lady Theodosia Winfern and Sebastian Crawford, Duke of Hartford.
As the book description informs us, Sebastian's sister Perdie runs from her duties after becoming a member of Theo's exclusive lady's club where ladies of the ton are free to be themselves and participate in unconventional fun. Seb believes Theo is responsible for Perdie's imprudent disappearance and that she is keeping Perdie's whereabouts from him; ultimately kidnapping Theo and demanding she not leave his side until she comes clean with the knowledge. Of course Theo knows nothing.. but it sure leads to some rather angsty moments as Seb and Theo fight their attraction.
Lady Theodosia Winfern is headstrong and full of modernistic enthusiasm. Her first marriage was not a love match; she has given up on finding love while Sebastian believes he must marry for duty. Theo feels some responsibility for Perdie's actions so she goes along with assisting Seb in his search for his sister. Along the way she finds herself pushing the Duke to question his traditional reasoning. Slowly the determined and resolute Duke's barriers begin to fall and eventually they give into temptation.
I love an angsty read and this hit just right for me! There is plenty of steam but the work-up is stunningly devious. This author knows how to seduce her readers... WELL DONE ALYSSA CLARKE... WELL DONE!!
THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE READS OF 2022!! I highly recommend you pick it up immediately!!
***************************
*Grumpy Sunshine Romance
*One bed trope
*Virgin heroine / no manwhore
*Slight OW drama - a fellow Lady of the ton is vying for Seb's attention (Seb sees through her manipulations and is respectful of the heroine)
*No OM drama
*No cheating
*Spicy vanilla bedroom scenes
*HEA
*Dual POV
Love Me, If You Dare is book 1 in the Wagers and Wallflowers series and focuses on Lady Theodosia Winfern and Sebastian Crawford, Duke of Hartford.
As the book description informs us, Sebastian's sister Perdie runs from her duties after becoming a member of Theo's exclusive lady's club where ladies of the ton are free to be themselves and participate in unconventional fun. Seb believes Theo is responsible for Perdie's imprudent disappearance and that she is keeping Perdie's whereabouts from him; ultimately kidnapping Theo and demanding she not leave his side until she comes clean with the knowledge. Of course Theo knows nothing.. but it sure leads to some rather angsty moments as Seb and Theo fight their attraction.
Lady Theodosia Winfern is headstrong and full of modernistic enthusiasm. Her first marriage was not a love match; she has given up on finding love while Sebastian believes he must marry for duty. Theo feels some responsibility for Perdie's actions so she goes along with assisting Seb in his search for his sister. Along the way she finds herself pushing the Duke to question his traditional reasoning. Slowly the determined and resolute Duke's barriers begin to fall and eventually they give into temptation.
I love an angsty read and this hit just right for me! There is plenty of steam but the work-up is stunningly devious. This author knows how to seduce her readers... WELL DONE ALYSSA CLARKE... WELL DONE!!
THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE READS OF 2022!! I highly recommend you pick it up immediately!!
***************************
*Grumpy Sunshine Romance
*One bed trope
*Virgin heroine / no manwhore
*Slight OW drama - a fellow Lady of the ton is vying for Seb's attention (Seb sees through her manipulations and is respectful of the heroine)
*No OM drama
*No cheating
*Spicy vanilla bedroom scenes
*HEA
*Dual POV
November 24, 2021
I really wasn’t a fan of this one. During the 19 century, if you took a woman of quality’s virginity, to marry her upon this discovery is the honorable thing to do, regardless of whether or not love is involved. Polite society frowns upon anything less in these traditional novels. So the fact that this duke, of all people, was “uncertain” of whether he would do the honorable thing, after he clearly “took liberties” with Theo, makes me look at him as more of an anti-hero.
I mean he eventually decided he loved her(because let’s face it...HE’s the only one who matters)and wanted to marry her. However, he left her with all sorts of doubts, which I think was poorly done. So no. I was not a fan of Sebastian and Theo’s story. 🤷🏻♀️
I mean he eventually decided he loved her(because let’s face it...HE’s the only one who matters)and wanted to marry her. However, he left her with all sorts of doubts, which I think was poorly done. So no. I was not a fan of Sebastian and Theo’s story. 🤷🏻♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2022
A rushed, cobbled-together pile of wince-worthy ludicrousness with stock characters, an unconvincing plot riddled with cliches, and little emotional depth. Why two stars instead of one? Because when the author actually forced herself to concentrate on a scene long enough to put some focus on the characters and their actions and emotions, the scene is lovely and satisfying. Unfortunately that only happens a couple of times in this book. I had downloaded the entire series to my kindle before reading this first book, and quickly deleted the rest. This author obviously has talent, but this is assembly-line writing.
Note about the kindle edition: it is riddled with errors even a cursory proofreading would have caught.
Note about the kindle edition: it is riddled with errors even a cursory proofreading would have caught.
October 1, 2021
3.5/5. I really enjoyed this book and the characters were great! I loved Theo and her club and her discussions about women’s rights were amazing. I also appreciated that there was no big frustrating miscommunication between the two main characters. However, the ending fell a little flat for me and there was a bit of insta-love. Also I’m writing this review a few days after I read the book and I couldn’t remember important plot points, so there was nothing super memorable (besides the ladies club!) about this one for me.
November 16, 2022
What’s a little misogyny between friends?
I am genuinely curious: What is likeable about the Duke? He is controlling, rude, condescending, and blames Theodosia for things that have nothing do do with her largely because he also believes his adult sister is a brainless child. Does he think any woman has intellect?
Abruptly, at about the 50% mark he and Theodosia suddenly declare that they are attracted to each other even as he calls her a liar and continues to diminish her as a person. They then embark on an affair where he continues to treat her poorly.
I am genuinely curious: What is likeable about the Duke? He is controlling, rude, condescending, and blames Theodosia for things that have nothing do do with her largely because he also believes his adult sister is a brainless child. Does he think any woman has intellect?
Abruptly, at about the 50% mark he and Theodosia suddenly declare that they are attracted to each other even as he calls her a liar and continues to diminish her as a person. They then embark on an affair where he continues to treat her poorly.
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